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The time has come to replace my son's 14" Islabikes Cnoc.

I've been looking at what's available at this segment and I can't make my mind whether he really needs the following:

- Front suspension
- Gears

Any personal views/experiences on the above would be very helpful.

Intention was to get islabikes 20" Beinn as we test ride it during the Excel show but it seems they've increased their prices significantly over the time. I got the Cnoc for £180 originally now it retails for £250?!? The Beinn itself is £330 which is a bit too much for kids bike.

I sort of narrowed down the choice to the following which all retail between £200-£250:

No suspension and No gears : Commencal Ramones 20 2015
Gears but No suspension : Cube kid 200, Felt 2015 Q20R 20"
Gears and front Suspension: Specialized hotrock, Scott Scale 20 JR, Giant XtC Jr. 20

I'm also looking for the same thing.
Also throw in the Frog 52.
I'm thinking suspension may be a no, most of them have really rubbish forks that would do nothing due to the weight of rider, they also weight quite a bit more and for small kids I think a lower weight bike is must so they don't get put off.
Youngest has a Ridgeback MX16, which is a good bike. I think VW's oldest has an MX20? So maybe he'll roll by and tell us how that is.

The mx 24 is a good bike but would be too heavy for little people. The islabike is lighting that means everything when learning. Suspension is more of a hindrance than a help at this size

This is where I'm going too. The frog bikes are worth considering too.
I think I'll be getting the cube based on price. If ordered from Germany incl delivery they come to £200 for the 2015 model.
However the new 2015 META HT 20 has awesome spec and weight(same as the cube 10kg) for kids bike and will be avail for purchasing in about 4 days but its about £450. Will it be appreciated? I doubt it but its a good looking bike

My islabike has been used by both kids, will still be worth about 200 when selling so it's only effective cost 100, makes it the cheapest bike

True VW, I'm keeping the cnoc for my daughter too, despite she is only 6 months now. I do fancy that French beast though

Lol with ya